Inorganic fiber with improved shrinkage and strength

ABSTRACT

An inorganic fiber containing silica and magnesia as the major fiber components and which further includes intended addition of lithium oxide to improve the thermal stability of the fiber. The inorganic fiber exhibits good thermal performance at 1260° C. and greater, low linear shrinkage, retains mechanical integrity after exposure to the use temperature, and exhibits low biopersistence in physiological fluids. Also provided are thermal insulation product forms prepared from a plurality of the inorganic fibers, methods of preparing the inorganic fiber and of thermally insulating articles using thermal insulation prepared from a plurality of the inorganic fibers.

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. Ser. No.14/580,400, filed on Dec. 23, 2014, which claims the benefit of thefiling date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application forPatent Ser. No. 62/025,142, filed on Jul. 16, 2014, and which are bothincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A high temperature resistant inorganic fiber that is useful as athermal, electrical, or acoustical insulating material, and which has ause temperature of 1260° C. and greater is provided. The hightemperature resistant inorganic fiber is easily manufacturable, exhibitslow shrinkage after exposure to the use temperature, retains goodmechanical strength after continued exposure to the use temperature, andexhibits low biopersistence in physiological fluids.

BACKGROUND

The insulation material industry has determined that it is desirable toutilize fibers in thermal, electrical and acoustical insulatingapplications, which are not durable in physiological fluids, that is,fiber compositions which exhibit a low biopersistence in physiologicalfluids.

While candidate materials have been proposed, the use temperature limitof these materials have not been high enough to accommodate many of theapplications to which high temperature resistant fibers are applied. Forexample, such low biopersistence fibers exhibit high shrinkage at usetemperatures and/or reduced mechanical strength when exposed to usetemperatures ranging from 1000° C. to 1400° C. as compared to theperformance of refractory ceramic fibers.

The high temperature resistant, low biopersistence fibers should exhibitminimal shrinkage at expected exposure temperatures, and after prolongedor continuous exposure to the expected use temperatures, in order toprovide effective thermal protection to the article being insulated.

In addition to temperature resistance as expressed by shrinkagecharacteristics that are important in fibers that are used ininsulation, it is also required that the low biopersistence fibers havemechanical strength characteristics during and following exposure to theexpected use or service temperature, that will permit the fiber tomaintain its structural integrity and insulating characteristics in use.

One characteristic of the mechanical integrity of a fiber is its afterservice friability. The more friable a fiber, that is, the more easilyit is crushed or crumbled to a powder, the less mechanical integrity itpossesses. In general, inorganic fibers that exhibit both hightemperature resistance and low biopersistence in physiological fluidsalso exhibit a high degree of after service friability. This results ina brittle fiber lacking the strength or mechanical integrity afterexposure to the service temperature to be able to provide the necessarystructure to accomplish its insulating purpose. Other measures ofmechanical integrity of fibers include compressive strength andcompression recovery.

It is desirable to produce an improved inorganic fiber composition thatis readily manufacturable from a fiberizable melt of desiredingredients, which exhibits low biopersistence in physiological fluids,low shrinkage during and after exposure to use temperatures of 1260° C.and greater, such as 1400° C. and greater, and, which exhibits lowbrittleness after exposure to the expected use temperatures, and whichmaintains mechanical integrity after exposure to use temperatures of1260° C. and greater, such as 1400° C. and greater.

Provided is a high temperature resistant alkaline-earth silicate fiberexhibiting improved thermal stability when the inorganic fiber isexposed to elevated temperatures of 1000° C. to 1500° C. It has beenfound that the inclusion of suitable amount of lithium oxide to analkaline-earth silicate inorganic fiber reduces fiber shrinkage andenhances mechanical strength beyond that of alkaline earth silicatefibers without the presence of the lithium oxide addition. The fiberexhibits low biopersistence in physiological solutions, reduced linearshrinkage, and improved mechanical strength after exposure to expecteduse temperatures.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, and up to about 1 weightpercent lithium oxide.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, calcia, and up to about 1weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, calcia, and up to about 1 weight percentlithium oxide.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. Lithium oxide may be included in an amount up to about 1weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, calcia, lithium oxide, and aviscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be included in an amount up toabout 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, calcia, lithium oxide, and a viscositymodifier. Lithium oxide may be included in an amount up to about 1weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, lithium oxide, and alumina asa viscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be included in an amount up toabout 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, calcia, lithium oxide, andalumina as a viscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be included in anamount up to about 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, calcia, lithium oxide, and alumina as aviscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be included in an amount up toabout 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, lithium oxide, and boria as aviscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be included in an amount up toabout 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, calcia, lithium oxide, andboria as a viscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be included in anamount up to about 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, calcia, lithium oxide, and boria as aviscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be included in an amount up toabout 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, lithium oxide, and a mixtureof alumina and boria as a viscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may beincluded in an amount up to about 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, calcia, lithium oxide, and amixture of alumina and boria as a viscosity modifier. Lithium oxide maybe included in an amount up to about 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, calcia, lithium oxide, and mixture ofalumina and boria as a viscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be includedin an amount up to about 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, zirconia, lithium oxide, and aviscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be included in an amount up toabout 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, zirconia, lithium oxide, andalumina as a viscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be included in anamount up to about 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, zirconia, lithium oxide, andboria as a viscosity modifier. Lithium oxide may be included in anamount up to about 1 weight percent.

According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of silica, magnesia, zirconia, lithium oxide, and amixture of alumina and boria as a viscosity modifier. Lithium oxide maybe included in an amount up to about 1 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andlithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andlithium oxide. Lithium oxide may be included in an amount up to about 1weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.175 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide, and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier it presentis may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide, and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.175 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.175 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about11 weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about11 weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide and from 0 to about11 weight percent zirconia.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.175 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide, from 0 to about 11weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifiercan be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria.When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 toabout 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weightpercent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percentalumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, and up toabout 1 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certain illustrativeembodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product ofabout 70 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 30 weightpercent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percentlithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.175 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentis may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.175 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide and aviscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina,boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier ispresent it may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina,or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture ofgreater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 toabout 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.175 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, and up toabout 1 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certain illustrativeembodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product ofabout 75 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 25 weightpercent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percentlithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, and up toabout 1 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certain illustrativeembodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product ofabout 76 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 24 weightpercent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percentlithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, and up toabout 1 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certain illustrativeembodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product ofabout 77 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 23 weightpercent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percentlithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide, and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent bona.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent bona.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent bona.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent bona.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscositymodifier can be selected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of aluminaand boria. When a viscosity modifier is present it may include greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weightpercent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, and up toabout 1 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certain illustrativeembodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product ofabout 78 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about 22 weightpercent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithiumoxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percentlithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percentlithium oxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, theinorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,and greater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.3 weight percentlithium oxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, theinorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,and greater than 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percentlithium oxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, theinorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,and greater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.2 weight percentlithium oxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, theinorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,and greater than 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percentlithium oxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, theinorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,and greater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.1 weight percentlithium oxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, theinorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,and greater than 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.075 weight percentlithium oxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, theinorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,and greater than 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percentlithium oxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, theinorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,and greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.01 weight percentlithium oxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, theinorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,greater than 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, about 19 to about21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.005 weight percentlithium oxide. According to certain illustrative embodiments, theinorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,greater than 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide and aviscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina,boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier ispresent it may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina,or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture ofgreater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 toabout 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide and aviscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina,boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier ispresent it may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina,or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture ofgreater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 toabout 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.3 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide and aviscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina,boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier ispresent it may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina,or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture ofgreater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 toabout 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide and aviscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina,boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier ispresent it may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina,or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture ofgreater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 toabout 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide and aviscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina,boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier ispresent it may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina,or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture ofgreater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 toabout 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, andgreater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide and aviscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina,boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier ispresent is may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina,or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture ofgreater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 toabout 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber comprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide and a viscositymodifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina, boria,and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier is presentit may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina, orgreater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture of greaterthan 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 to about 1weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.45 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weightpercent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percentzirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can beselected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When aviscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 to about 2weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percentboria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent aluminaand greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.35 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.35 weightpercent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percentzirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can beselected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When aviscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 to about 2weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percentboria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent aluminaand greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.43 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.3 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.3 weightpercent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percentzirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can beselected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When aviscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 to about 2weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percentboria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent aluminaand greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.25 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.25 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.25 weightpercent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percentzirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can beselected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When aviscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 to about 2weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percentboria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent aluminaand greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.2 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.2 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.2 weightpercent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percentzirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can beselected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When aviscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 to about 2weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percentboria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent aluminaand greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.15 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.15 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.15 weightpercent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percentzirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can beselected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When aviscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 to about 2weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percentboria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent aluminaand greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.1 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.1 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.1 weightpercent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percentzirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can beselected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When aviscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 to about 2weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percentboria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent aluminaand greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.075 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.075 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.075 weightpercent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percentzirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can beselected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When aviscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 to about 2weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percentboria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent aluminaand greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.05 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.05 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.05 weightpercent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percentzirconia and a viscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can beselected from alumina, boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When aviscosity modifier is present it may include greater than 0 to about 2weight percent alumina, or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percentboria, or a mixture of greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent aluminaand greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.01 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.01 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.01 weight percentlithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia and aviscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina,boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier ispresent it may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina,or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture ofgreater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 toabout 1 weight percent boria.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fibercomprises the fiberization product of about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.005 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 toabout 11 weight percent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises thefiberization product of about 79 to about 81 weight percent silica,about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.005 weight percent lithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, and a viscosity modifier. According to certainillustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber comprises the fiberizationproduct of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about22 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.005 weight percentlithium oxide, greater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia and aviscosity modifier. The viscosity modifier can be selected from alumina,boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. When a viscosity modifier ispresent it may include greater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina,or greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent boria, or a mixture ofgreater than 0 to about 2 weight percent alumina and greater than 0 toabout 1 weight percent boria.

According to further illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber maycomprise the fiberization product of silica in any of the rangedisclosed herein, magnesia in any of the ranges disclosed herein,optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein, optionallyzirconia in any of the range disclosed herein, optionally a viscositymodifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein, and lithium oxide in anyone of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0 to about 0.05 weightpercent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weight percent, (iii) about0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about 0.005 to about 0.04weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vi)from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii) from about 0.03 toabout 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035 to about 0.04weight percent.

According to further illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber maycomprise the fiberization product from about 65 to about 86 weightpercent silica, from about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia,optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein, optionally fromgreater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia, optionally aviscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein, and lithiumoxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0 to about0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weight percent,(iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about 0.005 toabout 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii) fromabout 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035 toabout 0.04 weight percent.

According to further illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber maycomprise the fiberization product from about 70 to about 80 weightpercent silica, from about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia,optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein, optionally fromgreater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia, optionally aviscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein, and lithiumoxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0 to about0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weight percent,(iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about 0.005 toabout 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii) fromabout 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035 toabout 0.04 weight percent.

According to further illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber maycomprise the fiberization product from about 75 to about 80 weightpercent silica, from about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia,optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein, optionally fromgreater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia, optionally aviscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein, and lithiumoxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0 to about0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weight percent,(iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about 0.005 toabout 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii) fromabout 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035 toabout 0.04 weight percent.

According to further illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber maycomprise the fiberization product from about 76 to about 80 weightpercent silica, from about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia,optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein, optionally fromgreater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia, optionally aviscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein, and lithiumoxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0 to about0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weight percent,(iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about 0.005 toabout 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii) fromabout 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035 toabout 0.04 weight percent.

According to further illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber maycomprise the fiberization product from about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, from about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia,optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein, optionally fromgreater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia, optionally aviscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein, and lithiumoxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0 to about0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weight percent,(iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about 0.005 toabout 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii) fromabout 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035 toabout 0.04 weight percent.

According to further illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber maycomprise the fiberization product from about 78 to about 80 weightpercent silica, from about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein, optionally fromgreater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia, optionally aviscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein, and lithiumoxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0 to about0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weight percent,(iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about 0.005 toabout 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii) fromabout 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035 toabout 0.04 weight percent.

According to further illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber maycomprise the fiberization product from about 78 to about 81 weightpercent silica, from about 19 to about 22 weight percent magnesia,optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein, optionally fromgreater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia, optionally aviscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein, and lithiumoxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0 to about0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weight percent,(iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about 0.005 toabout 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii) fromabout 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035 toabout 0.04 weight percent.

According to further illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber maycomprise the fiberization product from about 79 to about 81 weightpercent silica, from about 19 to about 21 weight percent magnesia,optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein, optionally fromgreater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia, optionally aviscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein, and lithiumoxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0 to about0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weight percent,(iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about 0.005 toabout 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii) fromabout 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035 toabout 0.04 weight percent.

According to any of the above illustrative embodiments, the inorganicfiber contains 1 weight percent or less calcia. According to any of theabove illustrative embodiments, the inorganic fiber contains 0.5 weightpercent or less calcia. According to any of the above illustrativeembodiments, the inorganic fiber contains 0.3 weight percent or lesscalcia.

According to any of the above embodiments, provided is a hightemperature resistant inorganic fiber which exhibits a linear shrinkageof 5% or less when exposed a use temperature of 1260° C. and greater for24 hours, and which maintains mechanical integrity after exposure to theuse temperature, and which exhibits low biopersistence in physiologicalfluids.

According to any of the above embodiments, provided is a hightemperature resistant inorganic fiber which exhibits a linear shrinkageof 5% or less when exposed a use temperature of 1260° C. and greater for168 hours, and which maintains mechanical integrity after exposure tothe use temperature, and which exhibits low biopersistence inphysiological fluids.

According to any of the above embodiments, the high temperatureresistant inorganic fiber exhibits a linear shrinkage of 4% or less whenexposed a use temperature of 1260° C. and greater for 24 hours,maintains mechanical integrity after exposure to the use temperature,and which exhibits low biopersistence in physiological fluids.

According to any of the above embodiments, the high temperatureresistant inorganic fiber exhibits a linear shrinkage of 4% or less whenexposed a use temperature of 1260° C. and greater for 168 hours,maintains mechanical integrity after exposure to the use temperature,and which exhibits low biopersistence in physiological fluids.

According to any of the above embodiments, provided is a hightemperature resistant inorganic fiber which exhibits a linear shrinkageof 5% or less when exposed a use temperature of 1400° C. or greater for24 horns, and which maintains mechanical integrity after exposure to theuse temperature, and which exhibits low biopersistence in physiologicalfluids.

According to any of the above embodiments, provided is a hightemperature resistant inorganic fiber which exhibits a linear shrinkageof 5% or less when exposed a use temperature of 1400° C. or greater for168, and which maintains mechanical integrity after exposure to the usetemperature, and which exhibits low biopersistence in physiologicalfluids.

According to any of the above embodiments, the high temperatureresistant inorganic fiber exhibits a linear shrinkage of 4% or less whenexposed a use temperature of 1400° C. or greater for 24 hours, and whichmaintains mechanical integrity after exposure to the use temperature,and exhibit low biopersistence in physiological fluids.

According to any of the above embodiments, the high temperatureresistant inorganic fiber exhibits a linear shrinkage of 4% or less whenexposed a use temperature of 1400° C. or greater for 168 hours, andwhich maintains mechanical integrity after exposure to the usetemperature, and exhibit low biopersistence in physiological fluids.

According to any of the above embodiments, provided is a method forpreparing a high temperature resistant inorganic fiber having a usetemperature of 1260° C. or greater, which maintains mechanical integrityafter exposure to the use temperature, and which exhibits lowbiopersistence in physiological fluids.

According to any of the above embodiments, provided is a method forpreparing a high temperature resistant inorganic fiber having a usetemperature of 1400° C. or greater, which maintains mechanical integrityafter exposure to the use temperature, and which exhibits lowbiopersistence in physiological fluids.

The method for preparing the fiber comprises forming a melt withingredients comprising either (i) silica and magnesia, or (ii) silicaand calcia, or (iii) silica, magnesia and calcia, lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

The method for preparing the fiber comprises forming a melt withingredients comprising either (i) silica and magnesia, or (ii) silicaand calcia, or (iii) silica, magnesia and calcia, and up to about 1weight percent lithium oxide, optionally greater than 0 to 11 weightpercent zirconia, and optionally a viscosity modifier; and producingfibers from the melt. The method for preparing the fiber comprisesforming a melt with ingredients comprising either (i) silica andmagnesia, or (ii) silica and calcia, or (iii) silica, magnesia andcalcia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 65 to about 86 weight percent silica, from about 14 to about 35weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percentlithium oxide, optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia,and optionally a viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 70 to about 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 30weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percentlithium oxide, optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia,and optionally a viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 75 to about 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 25weight percent magnesia, and up to about 1 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparing the fibercomprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising from about 75 toabout 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 25 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 76 to about 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 24weight percent magnesia, and up to about 1 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparing the fibercomprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising from about 76 toabout 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 24 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 77 to about 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 23weight percent magnesia, and up to about 1 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparing the fibercomprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising from about 77 toabout 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 23 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 22weight percent magnesia, and up to about 1 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt. According tocertain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparing the fibercomprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising from about 78 toabout 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 22 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising silica inany of the range disclosed herein, magnesia in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosedherein, optionally zirconia in any of the range disclosed herein,optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein,and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weightpercent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii)from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 65 to about 86 weight percent silica, from about 14 to about 35weight percent magnesia, optionally calcia in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges:(i) greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 toabout 0.045 weight percent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (iv) from about 0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) fromabout 0.01 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about0.04 weight percent, (vii) from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent,or (viii) from about 0.035 to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 70 to about 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 30weight percent magnesia, optionally calcia in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges:(i) greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 toabout 0.045 weight percent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (iv) from about 0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) fromabout 0.01 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about0.04 weight percent, (vii) from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent,or (viii) from about 0.035 to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 75 to about 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 25weight percent magnesia, optionally calcia in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges:(i) greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 toabout 0.045 weight percent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (iv) from about 0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) fromabout 0.01 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about0.04 weight percent, (vii) from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent,or (viii) from about 0.035 to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 76 to about 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 24weight percent magnesia, optionally calcia in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges:(i) greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 toabout 0.045 weight percent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (iv) from about 0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) fromabout 0.01 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about0.04 weight percent, (vii) from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent,or (viii) from about 0.035 to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 77 to about 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 23weight percent magnesia, optionally calcia in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges:(i) greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 toabout 0.045 weight percent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (iv) from about 0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) fromabout 0.01 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about0.04 weight percent, (vii) from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent,or (viii) from about 0.035 to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 22weight percent magnesia, optionally calcia in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges:(i) greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 toabout 0.045 weight percent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (iv) from about 0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) fromabout 0.01 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about0.04 weight percent, (vii) from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent,or (viii) from about 0.035 to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 78 to about 81 weight percent silica, from about 19 to about 22weight percent magnesia, optionally calcia in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges:(i) greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 toabout 0.045 weight percent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (iv) from about 0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) fromabout 0.01 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about0.04 weight percent, (vii) from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent,or (viii) from about 0.035 to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method for preparingthe fiber comprises forming a melt with ingredients comprising fromabout 79 to about 81 weight percent silica, from about 19 to about 21weight percent magnesia, optionally calcia in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weightpercent zirconia, optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the rangesdisclosed herein, and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges:(i) greater than 0 to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 toabout 0.045 weight percent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weightpercent, (iv) from about 0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) fromabout 0.01 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about0.04 weight percent, (vii) from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent,or (viii) from about 0.035 to about 0.04 weight percent.

Without limitation, the viscosity modifier that is added to the melt ofingredients to prepare the inorganic fiber may be selected from alumina,boria, and mixtures of alumina and boria. The viscosity modifier isincluded in the melt of ingredients in an amount effective render themelt fiberizable.

Also provided is a method of thermally insulating an article withfibrous insulation prepared from a plurality of the presently disclosedhigh temperature resistant low biopersistent inorganic fibers of any ofthe above disclosed illustrative embodiments. The method includesdisposing on, in, near or around the article to be thermally insulated,a thermal insulation material comprising a plurality of the inorganicfibers comprising the fiberization product of either (i) silica andmagnesia, or (ii) silica and calcia, or (iii) silica, magnesia andcalcium, and greater than 0 to about 1 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier, wherein the fiberization product comprises any oneof the above-disclosed fiberization products.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 65 to about 86weight percent silica, from about 14 to about 36 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 70 to about 80weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 30 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 75 to about 80weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 25 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 76 to about 80weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 24 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 77 to about 80weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 23 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 78 to about 80weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 22 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide,optionally greater than 0 to 11 weight percent zirconia, and optionallya viscosity modifier; and producing fibers from the melt.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of silica in any of the rangedisclosed herein, magnesia in any of the ranges disclosed herein,optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein, optionallyzirconia in any of the range disclosed herein, optionally a viscositymodifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein, and lithium oxide in anyone of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0 to about 0.05 weightpercent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weight percent, (iii) about0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about 0.005 to about 0.04weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vi)from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii) from about 0.03 toabout 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035 to about 0.04weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 65 to about 86weight percent silica, from about 14 to about 35 weight percentmagnesia, optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein,optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia,optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein,and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weightpercent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii)from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 70 to about 80weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 30 weight percentmagnesia, optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein,optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia,optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein,and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weightpercent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii)from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 75 to about 80weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 25 weight percentmagnesia, optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein,optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia,optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein,and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weightpercent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii)from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 76 to about 80weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 24 weight percentmagnesia, optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein,optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia,optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein,and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weightpercent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii)from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 77 to about 80weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 23 weight percentmagnesia, optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein,optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia,optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein,and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weightpercent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii)from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 78 to about 80weight percent silica, from about 20 to about 22 weight percentmagnesia, optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein,optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia,optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein,and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weightpercent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii)from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 78 to about 81weight percent silica, from about 19 to about 22 weight percentmagnesia, optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein,optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia,optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein,and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weightpercent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii)from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035to about 0.04 weight percent.

According to certain illustrative embodiments, the method of thermallyinsulating an article with fibrous insulation comprising a pluralityfibers comprising the fiberization product of from about 79 to about 81weight percent silica, from about 19 to about 21 weight percentmagnesia, optionally calcia in any of the ranges disclosed herein,optionally from greater than 0 to about 11 weight percent zirconia,optionally a viscosity modifier in any of the ranges disclosed herein,and lithium oxide in any one of the following ranges: (i) greater than 0to about 0.05 weight percent, (ii) greater than 0 to about 0.045 weightpercent, (iii) about 0.002 to about 0.04 weight percent, (iv) from about0.005 to about 0.04 weight percent, (v) from about 0.01 to about 0.04weight percent, (vi) from about 0.02 to about 0.04 weight percent, (vii)from about 0.03 to about 0.04 weight percent, or (viii) from about 0.035to about 0.04 weight percent.

Also provided is an inorganic fiber containing article comprising atleast one of bulk fiber, blankets, blocks, boards, caulkingcompositions, cement compositions, coatings, felts, mats, moldablecompositions, modules, papers, pumpable compositions, puttycompositions, sheets, tamping mixtures, vacuum cast shapes, vacuum castforms, or woven textiles (for example, braids, cloths, fabrics, ropes,tapes, sleeving, wicking).

In order for a glass composition to be a viable candidate for producinga satisfactory high temperature resistant fiber product, the fiber to beproduced must be manufacturable, sufficiently soluble (ie, having lowbiopersistence) in physiological fluids, and capable of surviving hightemperatures with minimal shrinkage and minimal loss of mechanicalintegrity during exposure to the high service temperatures.

The present inorganic fiber exhibits low biopersistence in physiologicalfluids. By “low biopersistence” in physiological fluids, it is meantthat the inorganic fiber at least partially dissolves in such fluids,such as simulated lung fluid, during in vitro tests.

Biopersistence may be tested by measuring the rate at which mass is lostfrom the fiber (ng/cm²-hr) under conditions which simulate thetemperature and chemical conditions found in the human lung. This testconsists of exposing approximately 0.1 g of de-shotted fiber to 50 ml ofsimulated lung fluid (SLF) for 6 hours. The entire test system ismaintained at 37° C., to simulate the temperature of the human body.

After the SLF has been exposed to the fiber, it is collected andanalyzed for glass constituents using Inductively Coupled PlasmaSpectroscopy. A “blank” SLF sample is also measured and used to correctfor elements present in the SLF. Once this data has been obtained, it ispossible to calculate the rate at which the fiber has lost mass over thetime interval of the study. The fibers are significantly lessbiopersistent than normal refractory ceramic fiber in simulated lungfluid.

“Viscosity” refers to the ability of a glass melt to resist flow orshear stress. The viscosity-temperature relationship is critical indetermining whether it is possible to fiberize a given glasscomposition. An optimum viscosity curve would have a low viscosity (5-50poise) at the fiberization temperature and would gradually increase asthe temperature decreased. If the melt is not sufficiently viscous (i.e.too thin) at the fiberization temperature, the result is a short, thinfiber, with a high proportion of unfiberized material (shot). If themelt is too viscous at the fiberization temperature, the resulting fiberwill be extremely coarse (high diameter) and short.

Viscosity is dependent upon melt chemistry, which is also affected byelements or compounds that act as viscosity modifiers. Viscositymodifiers permit fibers to be blown or spun from the fiber melt. It isdesirable, however, that such viscosity modifiers, either by type oramount, do not adversely impact the solubility, shrink resistance, ormechanical strength of the blown or spun fiber.

One approach to testing whether a fiber of a defined composition can bereadily manufactured at an acceptable quality level is to determinewhether the viscosity curve of the experimental chemistry matches thatof a known product which can be easily fiberized. Viscosity-temperatureprofiles may be measured on a viscometer, capable of operating atelevated temperatures. In addition, an adequate viscosity profile may beinferred by routine experimentation, examining the quality of fiber(index, diameter, length) produced. The shape of the viscosity vs.temperature curve for a glass composition is representative of the easewith which a melt will fiberize and thus, of the quality of theresulting fiber (affecting, for example, the fiber's shot content, fiberdiameter, and fiber length). Glasses generally have low viscosity athigh temperatures. As temperature decreases, the viscosity increases.The value of the viscosity at a given temperature will vary as afunction of the composition, as will the overall steepness of theviscosity vs. temperature curve. The present fiber melt compositionpossesses a viscosity profile of a readily manufacturable fiber.

Linear shrinkage of an inorganic fiber is a good measure of a fiber'sdimensional stability at high temperatures or of its performance at aparticular continuous service or use temperature. Fibers are tested forshrinkage by forming them into a mat and needle punching the mattogether into a blanket of approximately 4-10 pounds per cubic footdensity and a thickness of about 1 inch. Such pads are cut into 3 inch×5inch pieces and platinum pins are inserted into the face of thematerial. The separation distance of these pins is then carefullymeasured and recorded. The pad is then placed into a furnace, ramped totemperature and held at the temperature for a fixed period of time.After heating, the pin separation is again measured to determine thelinear shrinkage that pad has experienced.

In one such test, the length and width of the fiber pieces werecarefully measured, and the pad was placed in a furnace and brought to atemperature of 1260 or 1400° C. for 24 or 168 hours. After cooling, thelateral dimensions were measured and the linear shrinkage was determinedby comparing “before” and “after” measurements. If the fiber isavailable in blanket form, measurements may be made directly on theblanket without the need to form a pad.

Mechanical integrity is also an important property since the fiber mustsupport its own weight in any application and must also be able toresist abrasion due to moving air or gas. Indications of fiber integrityand mechanical strength are provided by visual and tactile observations,as well as mechanical measurement of these properties of after-servicetemperature exposed fibers. The ability of the fiber to maintain itsintegrity after exposure to the use temperature may also be measuredmechanically by testing for compression strength and compressionrecovery. These tests measure, respectively, how easily the pad may bedeformed and the amount of resiliency (or compression recovery) the padexhibits after a compression of 50%. Visual and tactile observationsindicate that the present inorganic fiber remains intact and maintainsits form after exposure to a use temperature of at least 1260 or 1400°C.

According to certain embodiments, the low shrinkage, high temperatureresistant inorganic fiber comprises the fiberization product of a meltcontaining magnesia and silica as the primary constituents. The lowbiopersistent inorganic fibers are made by standard glass and ceramicfiber manufacturing methods. Raw materials, such as silica, any suitablesource of magnesia such as enstatite, forsterite, magnesia, magnesite,calcined magnesite, magnesium zirconate, periclase, steatite, or talc.Lithium may be included in the fiber melt as LiCO₃. If zirconia isincluded in the fiber melt, any suitable source of zirconia such asbaddeleyite, magnesium zirconate, zircon or zirconia, are introducedinto a suitable furnace where they are melted and blown using afiberization nozzle, or spun, either in a batch or a continuous mode.

An inorganic fiber comprising the fiberization product of magnesia andsilica is referred to as a “magnesium-silicate” fiber. An inorganicfiber comprising the fiberization product of calcia, magnesia and silicais referred to as a “calcia-magnesium-silicate” fiber. An inorganicfiber comprising the fiberization product of calcia and silica isreferred to as a “calcium-silicate” fiber. The low shrinkage, hightemperature resistant inorganic fiber also comprises and a lithiumoxide-bearing raw material component as part of the fiber meltchemistry.

According to certain embodiments, the present inorganic fiber has anaverage diameter of greater than 2 microns. According to certainembodiments, the present inorganic fiber has an average diameter ofgreater than 2 microns to about 7.5 microns. According to certainembodiments, the present inorganic fiber has an average diameter ofabout 3.5 to about 7 microns.

According to any one of the illustrative fiberization products disclosedabove, the inorganic fiber exhibits low shrinkage and good mechanicalstrength at temperatures from about 1100° C. to about 1500° C. and lowbiopersistence.

According to any one of the illustrative fiberization products disclosedabove, the inorganic fiber present exhibits low shrinkage and goodmechanical strength at temperatures from about 1260° C. to about 1500°C. and low biopersistence.

According to any one of the illustrative fiberization products disclosedabove, the inorganic fiber exhibits low shrinkage and good mechanicalstrength at temperatures from about 1260° C. to about 1400° C. and lowbiopersistence.

According to any one of the illustrative fiberization products disclosedabove, the inorganic fiber exhibits low shrinkage and good mechanicalstrength at temperatures from about 1400° C. to about 1500° C. and lowbiopersistence.

The magnesium-silicate fibers containing intended additions of lithiumoxide exhibit a linear shrinkage after exposure to a service temperatureof 1400° C. for 24 hours of 10 percent or less. In other embodiments,the magnesium-silicate fibers containing intended additions of lithiumoxide exhibit a linear shrinkage after exposure to a service temperatureof 1400° C. for 24 hours of 5 percent or less. In other embodiments, themagnesium-silicate fibers containing intended additions of lithium oxidea linear shrinkage after exposure to a service temperature of 1400° C.for 24 hours of 4 percent or less.

The inorganic fibers containing intended additions of lithium oxide areuseful for thermal insulating applications at continuous service oroperating temperatures of at least 1260° C. and greater. According tocertain embodiments, the fibers containing lithium oxide are useful forthermal insulating applications at continuous service or operatingtemperatures of at least 1400° C. and it has been found that themagnesium-silicate fibers containing the lithium oxide additions do notmelt until they are exposed to a temperature of 1500° C. or greater.

The inorganic fibers may be prepared by fiber blowing or fiber spinningtechniques. A suitable fiber blowing technique includes the steps ofmixing the starting raw materials containing magnesia, silica, lithiumoxide, viscosity modifier, and optional zirconia together to form amaterial mixture of ingredients, introducing the material mixture ofingredients into a suitable vessel or container, melting the materialmixture of ingredients for discharge through a suitable nozzle, andblowing a high pressure gas onto the discharged flow of molten materialmixture of ingredients to form the fibers.

A suitable fiber spinning technique includes the steps of mixing thestarting raw materials together to form a material mixture ofingredients, introducing the material mixture of ingredients into asuitable vessel or container, melting the material mixture ofingredients for discharge through a suitable nozzle onto spinningwheels. The molten stream then cascades over the wheels, coating thewheels and being thrown off through centripetal forces, thereby formingfibers.

In some embodiments, the fiber is produced from a melt of raw materialsby subjecting the molten stream to a jet of high pressure/high velocityair or by pouring the melt onto rapidly spinning wheels and spinningfiber centrifugally. The lithium oxide is provided as an additive to themelt, and a suitable source of the lithium oxide raw material is simplyadded at the proper amount to the raw materials being melted.

The addition of lithium oxide as a component of the raw materials whichare fiberized results in a decrease of linear shrinkage of the resultingfiber after exposure to the use temperature. The lithium oxide may alsobe provided as either a continuous or discontinuous coating on the outersurfaces of the inorganic fibers.

In addition to the lithium oxide-bearing compounds, the viscosity of thematerial melt of ingredients may optionally be controlled by thepresence of viscosity modifiers, in an amount sufficient to provide thefiberization required for the desired applications. The viscositymodifiers may be present in the raw materials which supply the maincomponents of the melt, or may, at least in part, be separately added.Desired particle size of the raw materials is determined by furnacingconditions, including furnace size (SEF), pour rate, melt temperature,residence time, and the like.

The fiber may be manufactured with existing fiberization technology andformed into multiple thermal insulation product forms, including but notlimited to bulk fibers, fiber-containing blankets, boards, papers,felts, mats, blocks, modules, coatings, cements, moldable compositions,pumpable compositions, putties, ropes, braids, wicking, textiles (suchas cloths, tapes, sleeving, string, yarns, etc. . . . ), vacuum castshapes and composites. The fiber may be used in combination withconventional materials utilized in the production of fiber-containingblankets, vacuum cast shapes and composites, as a substitute forconventional refractory ceramic fibers. The fiber may be used alone orin combination with other materials, such as binders and the like, inthe production of fiber-containing paper and felt.

The fiber may be easily melted by standard glass furnacing methods,fiberized by standard RCF fiberization equipment, and is soluble insimulated body fluids.

A method of insulating an article using a thermal insulation containingthe disclosed inorganic fibers is also provided. The method ofinsulating an article includes disposing on, in, near, or around thearticle to be insulated, a thermal insulation material that contains theinorganic fibers containing an intended lithium oxide addition.

The high temperature resistant inorganic fibers are readilymanufacturable from a melt having a viscosity suitable for blowing orspinning fiber, are non-durable in physiological fluids, exhibit goodmechanical strength up to the service temperature, exhibit excellentlinear shrinkage up to 1400° C. and above and improved viscosity forfiberization.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are set forth to describe illustrativeembodiments of the inorganic fibers containing lithium oxide addition infurther detail and to illustrate the methods of preparing the inorganicfibers, preparing thermal insulating articles containing the fibers andusing the fibers as thermal insulation. However, the examples should notbe construed as limiting the fiber, the fiber containing articles, orthe processes of making or using the fibers as thermal insulation in anymanner.

Linear Shrinkage

A shrinkage pad was prepared by needling a fiber mat using a bank offelting needles. A 3 inch×5 inch test piece was cut from the pad and wasused in the shrinkage testing. The length and width of the test pad wascarefully measured. The test pad was then placed into a furnace andbrought to a temperature of 1400° C. for 24 hours. After heating for 24hours, the test pad was removed from the test furnace and cooled. Aftercooling, the length and width of the test pad were measured again. Thelinear shrinkage of the test pad was determined by comparing the“before” and “after” dimensional measurements.

A second shrinkage pad was prepared in a manner similar to thatdisclosed for the first shrinkage pad. However, the second shrinkage padwas placed in a furnace and brought to a temperature of 1260° C. for 24hours. After heating for 24 hours, the test pad was removed from thetest furnace and cooled. After cooling, the length and width of the testpad were measured again. The linear shrinkage of the test pad wasdetermined by comparing the “before” and “after” dimensionalmeasurements.

Compression Recovery

The ability of the inorganic fibers to retain mechanical strength afterexposure to a use temperature was evaluated by a compression recoverytest. Compression recovery is a measure of the mechanical performance ofan inorganic fiber in response to the exposure of the fiber to a desireduse temperature for a given period of time. Compression recovery ismeasured by firing test pads manufactured from the inorganic fibermaterial to the test temperature for the selected period of time. Thefired test pads are thereafter compressed to half of their originalthickness and allowed to rebound. The amount of rebound is measured aspercent recovery of the compressed thickness of the pad. Compressionrecovery was measured after exposure to use temperatures of 1260° C. for24 hours and 168 hours, and 1400° C. for 24 hours and 168 hours.According to certain illustrative embodiments, the test padsmanufactured from the inorganic fibers exhibit a compression recovery ofat least 10 percent.

Fiber Dissolution

The inorganic fiber is non-durable or non-biopersistent in physiologicalfluids. By “non-durable” or “non-biopersistent” in physiological fluidsit is meant that the inorganic fiber at least partially dissolves ordecomposes in such fluids, such as simulated lung fluid, during in vitrotests described herein.

The biopersistence test measures the rate at which mass is lost from thefiber (ng/cm²-hr) under conditions which simulate the temperature andchemical conditions found in the human lung. In particular, the fibersexhibit low biopersistence in Simulated Lung Fluid at a pH of 7.4.

To measure the dissolution rate of fibers in simulated lung fluid,approximately 0.1 g of fiber is placed into a 50 ml centrifuge tubecontaining simulated lung fluid which has been warmed to 37° C. This isthen placed into a shaking incubator for 6 hours and agitated at 100cycles per minute. At the conclusion of the test, the tube iscentrifuged and the solution is poured into a 60 ml syringe. Thesolution is then forced through a 0.45 μm filter to remove anyparticulate and tested for glass constituents using Inductively CoupledPlasma Spectroscopy analysis. This test may be conducted using either anear-neutral pH solution or an acidic solution. Although no specificdissolution rate standards exist, fibers with dissolution values inexcess of 100 ng/cm2 hr are considered indicative of a non-biopersistentfiber.

Table I shows fiber melt chemistries for various comparative andinventive fiber samples.

TABLE I SiO₂ MgO Al₂O₃ CaO Fe₂O₃ Li₂O Example wt % wt % wt % wt % wt %wt % C1 80.05 18.60 1.13 0.15 0.07 0  2 80.19 18.45 1.13 0.15 0.07 0.004 3 80.07 18.54 1.16 0.15 0.08 0.013  4 79.9 18.79 1.14 0.15 0.07 0.022 5 79.73 18.93 1.12 0.15 0.07 0.03  6 79.42 19.28 1.08 0.15 0.08 0.033 7 79.33 19.35 1.1 0.15 0.08 0.035  8 79.25 19.42 1.1 0.14 0.09 0.041 C980.1 18.4 1.3 0.15 0.11 0 10 79.4 18.7 1.4 0.31 0.24 0.037 11 79.1 191.4 0.32 0.22 0.086 12 78.6 19.4 1.4 0.33 0.24 0.11 13 78.4 19.6 1.40.33 0.23 0.14 14 79.5 18.5 1.4 0.32 0.22 0.19 15 80.2 17.9 1.4 0.310.21 0.28 16 80.2 17.9 1.4 0.31 0.21 0.36 17 80.5 17.6 1.4 0.29 0.210.39 18 80.2 17.9 1.4 0.31 0.21 0.38

Table II shows the green thickness (inches) blankets prepared from thefibers of Table I:

TABLE II 24 hours/ 168 hours/ 24 hours/ 1260° C. 1260° C. 1400° C.Thickness Thickness Thickness Example Inches Inches Inches C1 1.2 1.2 21.2 1.2 3 1.2 1.2 4 1.2 1.1 5 1.3 1.2 6 1.2 1.2 7 1.2 1.2 8 1.1 1.0 101.14 11 1.17 12 1.16 13 1.14 14 1.03 15 1.21 16 1.17 17 1.05 18 1.08

Table IIIa-1 and IIIa-2 show the green and fired densities (pcf) ofblankets prepared from fibers of Table I. Table IIIb shows thediameters, fiber index, green density, green thickness and initialtensile strength of fibers of Table I.

TABLE IIIa-1 24 hours/ 24 hours/ 24 hours/ 24 hours/ 1260° C. 1400° C.1260° C. 1400° C. Green Green Fired Fired Example Density DensityDensity Density C1 5.6 6.7 9.4 13.3 2 6.9 7.3 9.8 13.0 3 6.7 6.7 9.611.1 4 6.7 6.5 8.8 9.4 5 6.9 7.2 9.0 9.9 6 6.6 6.3 8.6 8.9 7 5.9 6.3 7.79.1 8 6.8 5.7 8.7 7.8

TABLE IIIa-2 168 hours/ 24 hours/ 1260° C. 1260° C. Green Fired ExampleDensity Density 10 7.2 11.2 11 6.8 9.3 12 7 9.3 13 7.8 9.4 14 8.4 9.5 158 9.4 16 7.1 8.3 17 9.4 10.7 18 8.1 9.4

TABLE IIIb Green Green Tensile Diameter Fiber Density Thickness StrengthSample (micron) Index % (pcf) (inches) (psi) C9 6.65 45 6.8 1.1 6.3 105.22 41.2 7.7 1.2 8.2 11 5.14 41.6 7.8 1.1 6.9 12 4.6 41.2 6.9 1.1 7.513 5.17 42.8 7.6 1.2 8.4 14 4.76 44.8 7.9 1 8.8 15 4.58 45 8.3 1.2 10.516 4.64 47.7 7.4 1.2 11.1 17 4.65 48.8 8.2 1.1 12.6 18 49.6 8.5 1.1 13.1

Table IV shows the results for shrinkage for the fibers after exposureto 1260° C. and 1400° C. for 24 and 168 hours.

TABLE IV Thickness Linear Thickness Linear Shrinkage Shrinkage ShrinkageShrinkage Thickness Linear 1260° C. 1260° C. 1400° C. 1400° C. ShrinkageShrinkage 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours 1260° C. 1260° C. Example% % % % 168 hours 168 hours C1 30.9 6.9 35.8 11.4  2 21.8 5.2 31.3 9.4 3 22.9 5.4 29.7 7.4  4 18.8 3.7 23.6 4.9  5 18.0 3.3 21.0 4.1  6 18.52.9 22.5 4.5  7 18.1 3.4 23.6 4.4  8 16.5 3.3 20.3 4.2 C9 5.6 11.5 104.9 6.2 28.5 5.3 11 4.5 5.6 20.5 4.9 12 4.8 5.2 17.5 4.8 13 3.1 3.5 113.4 14 2.6 2.8 7 2.6 15 2.9 3.4 9.5 3.1 16 2.6 3.3 8.5 3.3 17 2.9 3.1 73.1 18 2.5 3.2 8.5 2.7

Table IV shows that a magnesium-silicate inorganic fiber compositionincluding a synergistic combination of lithium oxide as a component ofthe fiberization product results in lower linear shrinkage at both 1260°C. and 1400° C. as compared to magnesium-silicate inorganic fiberwithout the intended and lithium oxide addition.

Table V shows the results compression recovery after exposure to 1260°C. and 1400° C. for 24 and 168 hours, and solubility for the fibers ofTable I:

TABLE V Comp Comp Comp Rec Rec Rec 1260° C. 1400° C. 1260° C. 24 24 168Solubility hours hours hours (k) Example % % % ng/cm2 hr C1 53.2 26.2587 2 53.7 27.5 814 3 53.2 27.6 757 4 53.6 31.5 613 5 55.1 30.8 616 656.4 30.1 1053 7 56.9 29.3 559 8 54.9 25.4 723 C9 42 17 783 10 44 16 40672 11 49 17 44 629 12 60 16 50 13 57 17 45.5 14 56 13 42.5 633 15 52 1454 524 16 45 18 52.5 628 17 36 14 39.5 549 18 37 14 41 634

Table V shows that a magnesium-silicate inorganic fiber compositionincluding an intended addition of lithium oxide as a component of thefiberization product results in an improvement in compression recoveryat both 1260° C. and 1400° C. as compared to magnesium-silicateinorganic fiber without the intended and lithium oxide addition. Themagnesium-silicate inorganic fiber composition including lithium oxideas a component of the fiberization product exhibits a compressionrecovery after exposure to 1260° C. for 24 hours of greater than about30%. The magnesium-silicate inorganic fiber composition includinglithium oxide as a component of the fiberization product exhibits acompression recovery after exposure to 1260° C. for 24 hours of greaterthan about 40%. The magnesium-silicate inorganic fiber compositionincluding lithium oxide as a component of the fiberization productexhibits a compression recovery after exposure to 1260° C. for 24 hoursof greater than about 50%. The magnesium-silicate inorganic fibercomposition including lithium oxide as a component of the fiberizationproduct exhibits a compression recovery after exposure to 1260° C. for168 hours of greater than about 10%. The magnesium-silicate inorganicfiber composition including lithium oxide as a component of thefiberization product exhibits a compression recovery after exposure to1260° C. for 168 hours of greater than about 20%. The magnesium-silicateinorganic fiber composition including lithium oxide as a component ofthe fiberization product exhibits a compression recovery after exposureto 1260° C. for 168 hours of greater than about 30%. Themagnesium-silicate inorganic fiber composition including lithium oxideas a component of the fiberization product exhibits a compressionrecovery after exposure to 1400° C. for 24 hours of greater than about30%. The magnesium-silicate inorganic fiber composition includinglithium oxide as a component of the fiberization product exhibits acompression recovery after exposure to 1400° C. for 24 hours of greaterthan about 25%. The magnesium-silicate inorganic fiber compositionincluding lithium oxide as a component of the fiberization productexhibits a compression recovery after exposure to 1400° C. for 24 hoursof greater than about 20%. The magnesium-silicate inorganic fibercomposition including lithium oxide as a component of the fiberizationproduct exhibits a compression recovery after exposure to 1400° C. for24 hours of greater than about 10%.

Table VI shows the results compressive strength after exposure to 1260°C. for 24 and 168 and 1400° C. for 24 hours for the fibers of Table I:

TABLE VI Comp Comp Comp Strength Strength Strength 1260° C. 1400° C.1260° C. 24 hours 24 hours 168 hours Example psi psi psi C1 9.9 14.1 212.7 13.4 3 12.8 7.8 4 10.4 6.2 5 10.9 7.1 6 10.2 5.9 7 7.1 5.4 8 7.43.2 C9 8 7.3 10 13 6.2 9 11 8.7 3.4 7.9 12 6.9 2.5 8.4 13 8.6 2.8 8.1 145.8 1.8 5.7 15 8.6 2.5 9.3 16 5.6 2.1 8.5 17 4.9 1.8 8.1 18 4.6 1.8 8.2

While the inorganic fiber, thermal insulation, methods of preparing theinorganic fiber, and method of insulating articles using the thermalinsulation have been described in connection with various embodiments,it is to be understood that other similar embodiments may be used ormodifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments forperforming the same function. Furthermore, the various illustrativeembodiments may be combined to produce the desired results. Therefore,the inorganic fiber, thermal insulation, methods of preparing theinorganic fiber, and method of insulating articles using the thermalinsulation should not be limited to any single embodiment, but ratherconstrued in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of theappended claims. It will be understood that the embodiments describedherein are merely exemplary, and that one skilled in the art may makevariations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scopeof the invention. All such variations and modifications are intended tobe included within the scope of the invention as described hereinabove.Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in thealternative, as various embodiments of the invention may be combined toprovide the desired result.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An inorganic fiber consisting essentiallyof the fiberization product of about 65 to about 86 weight percentsilica, about 14 to about 35 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 toabout 2% alumina and greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithiumoxide, wherein said inorganic fiber has compression recovery of at leastabout 10% after exposure to a temperature of 1400° C. for 24 hours,exhibits a shrinkage of 5% or less at 1260° C. for 24 hours and ashrinkage of 10% or less at 1400° C. for 24 hours.
 2. The inorganicfiber of claim 1, consisting essentially of the fiberization product ofabout 65 to about 86 weight percent silica, about 14 to about 35 weightpercent magnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percentlithium oxide.
 3. The inorganic fiber of claim 1, consisting essentiallyof the fiberization product of about 70 to about 80 weight percentsilica, about 20 to about 30 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0to about 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide.
 4. The inorganic fiber ofclaim 3, consisting essentially of the fiberization product of about 70to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 30 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.5. The inorganic fiber of claim 1, consisting essentially of thefiberization product of about 75 to about 80 weight percent silica,about 20 to about 25 weight percent magnesia, and greater than 0 toabout 0.45 weight percent lithium oxide.
 6. The inorganic fiber of claim5, consisting essentially of the fiberization product of about 75 toabout 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 25 weight percentmagnesia, and greater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.7. The inorganic fiber of claim 1, consisting essentially of thefiberization product of about 76 to about 80 weight percent silica,about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.45 weight percent lithium oxide.
 8. The inorganic fiber of claim 7,consisting essentially of the fiberization product of about 76 to about80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 24 weight percent magnesia,greater than 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.
 9. Theinorganic fiber of claim 1, consisting essentially of the fiberizationproduct of about 77 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about23 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percentlithium oxide.
 10. The inorganic fiber of claim 9, consistingessentially of the fiberization product of about 77 to about 80 weightpercent silica, about 20 to about 23 weight percent magnesia, greaterthan 0 to about 0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.
 11. The inorganicfiber of claim 1, consisting essentially of the fiberization product ofabout 78 to about 80 weight percent silica, about 20 to about 22 weightpercent magnesia, greater than 0 to about 0.45 weight percent lithiumoxide.
 12. The inorganic fiber of claim 11, consisting essentially ofthe fiberization product of about 78 to about 80 weight percent silica,about 20 to about 22 weight percent magnesia, greater than 0 to about0.35 weight percent lithium oxide.
 13. An inorganic fiber containingarticle comprising at least one of bulk fiber, blankets, blocks, boards,caulking compositions, cement compositions, coatings, felts, mats,moldable compositions, modules, papers, pumpable compositions, puttycompositions, sheets, tamping mixtures, vacuum cast shapes, vacuum castforms, or woven textiles, braids, cloths, fabrics, ropes, tapes,sleeving, wicking, said fiber containing article comprising thefiberization product of claim 1.